Boat Idea - Need some suggestions

[wannagofishin]

Okay - I'm coming to this group with my idea - I KNOW somebody here will have a solution. For at least a year now, I've been throwing the idea around to get a fishing boat - don't have a big budget, just want something I can get out on the water in. Recently, I have come acros a couple 14' jet boats. Here is my thought, get one of these, build a platform that can set in the front of the boat with a pedestal seat. Add a trolling motor, batter tray, on board charger as part of it, and go... Would that work - am I crazy? I have 3 young kids and a wife who doesn't fish - so I was thinking with this, I could still run around the lake "playing" and have something that I could fish with when I wanted... Thoughts, ideas....???

[APKape]

At one time I was kicking the same idea around. But I believe it's best to get a boat already designed for a specific use. Have you thought about a fish and ski? I've seen a lot of them posted on Craig's List (1988 stratos fish/ski boat). This has both the room for the family and the design for fishing.

[wannagofishin]

Yes, I have thought about F/S too... Actually, have been in contact with the person with the one you attached : ) Here are my reasons for looking at the jet boat idea... 1 - smaller, will easily fit in my garage, 2 - may be easier to tow and launch/load... But not sure if that's enough reason to go that route.

BUT, I also realize I'm talking about having to create a deck - and would have to make some kind of cooler/livewell for fishing... Not an ideal fishing boat for sure, but if it means having a boat ...

[gabowman]

There's ALOT of affordable boats on today's market so dont feel obligated to jump on one of those jet boats, unless of course that's what you want.:rolleyes: Just keep in mind that ONE DAY your wife or kids might want to go fishing with ya. Or maybe some summer fun like tubing, skiing, camping, etc. Alls I'm saying is keep some options open for what might develop down the road and dont get stuck buying something that might be hard for you to get rid of.

[kazualobzerver]

Wannagofishin, there was a class of 12-15' fiberglass jet boats starting in the early 90's powered by outboard engines set inside the boat. Is this the type jet boat you are referencing? These were 90 or 120 HP Force outboard blocks or the 175 Merc block, they were all referenced as Mercury Sport Jets. Several manufacturers built boats around the Merc Sport Jet such as the Bayliner Jazz, Regal Rush and Sugar Sand something?? If this is what you are seeking info on shoot me a PM and will try to answer any questions you have.

[wannagofishin]

PM sent!

[olesilverside]

would be my last resort, ever tried backing one of those, I would stick to a fish/ski and knock a hole in my garage for it to fit, or buy a car port for $700 to keep it under..........just my 2 cents.........

[beagle man]

I dont think it will work, ballance, they are built for speed, you start rearranging,and I will guarantee you it will be front heavy out of balance,and verry unstable, and you will die, dead, gone, but not forgotten, cause we will tell storied about it for years to come, about the crazy guy who modified the jet boat. just my guess

[wohlfy]

Just my 2 cents; get a fishing boat!